Internet downloaded programmable remote control for registered devices

ABSTRACT

In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user&#39;s receiver to receive the desired program.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.08/840,368, filed Apr. 29, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,435.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a remote controller suitable for use inoperating VTR (Video Taper Recorder/Player) and other audio/visualdevices and, in particular, to a remote controller suitable for use in asystem for transmitting broadcast program reservation tables through acomputer network.

2. Related Art

VTRs are equipped with program reservation function to automaticallyrecord a program of a selected channel when the preset time comes. Auser can use the program reservation function very conveniently torecord a desired program also during his absence. For programreservation in a conventional VTR, users had to personally enter therecord start time, record end time and the channel of a desired program.It was a very complex and time-wasting job for users. To cope with theproblem, a new system has been proposed, which enables programreservations only by entering a so-called Gemstar code (hereinbelowcalled G code) assigned to an individual program. Users can convenientlyuse this system to easily set the start time, end time and channel of adesired program by simply entering a code shown on newspapers ormagazines.

However, program reservation with conventional VTRs, either byindividually entering the start time, end time, channel and othermaterials of the program or by simply entering a code, is based on aprogram schedule on newspapers, magazines or other publications, andcannot cope with any change in broadcast programs.

In case of play-by-play broadcasting of baseball games, for example, thegames often continue beyond scheduled sections of time, and subsequentprograms are often deferred by several minutes to several hours.Conventionally, if the start time of a desired broadcast program ischanged, users must reset program reservation after canceling the formerreservation.

Another situation to be considered is that channels have been increasedremarkably along with recent development of CATV (CAble TeleVision) andsatellite broadcasting. Newspapers and magazines cannot afford to printall programs of all channels. Some of CATV channels are local broadcastchannels, and some are specialized channels for specific audience.Currently, newspapers and magazines are not prepared for providinginformation on all programs of these local channels and specializedchannels.

On the other hand, there is a known system called EPG (Electric ProgramGuide) system which superposes a program table on electric wavestransmitted from broadcasting stations such that users, on the part ofreceivers, can extract the program table on their displays and canselect and reserve desired programs. The EPG system is known from, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,121. Since, however, the EPG system is nota reciprocal transmission, even when the time of a reserved program isdeferred due to elongation of a preceding program, such as play-to-playbroadcasting of a baseball game, the EPG system cannot cancel thereservation and automatically starts recording of the program.

Satellite broadcasting often extends the service area beyond a singlecountry. It is difficult for newspapers and magazines to supplyinformation on programs of such borderless satellite broadcasting toaudience all over the service area. Also the EPG system has a difficultyin providing services all over the service area beyond a single country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a remote controldevice easily operated for reservation, etc. of programs, and flexiblycoping with changes in schedule of programs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote control devicefacilitating reservation of programs regardless of an increase inbroadcasting channels and an increase in service area.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote control devicecapable of jointly controlling audio visual systems and electronicdevice systems.

According to the invention, there is provided a remote control devicecomprising:

a receiver for receiving information on programs transmitted through atransmission line;

a display for displaying tabulated program information received by thereceiver;

a program reserve information demand portion transferring through thetransmission line a command of demanding program reserve informationcorresponding to desired program information among the tabulated programinformation displayed on the display; and

a control signal generator for generating a control signal to control anelectronic device in response to the program reserve informationdemanded by the program reserve information request portion and receivedat the receiver through the transmission line.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided atransmitter-receiver device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting tabulated program information in responseto a user's demand transmitted from a transmission line; and

a receiver for receiving through the transmission line a demand forprogram reserve information corresponding to desired program informationdesignated by a user among the tabulated program information, saidtransmitter transmitting the demanded program reserve information inresponse to the demand for the program reserve information received bythe receiver.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided atransmitting and receiving method comprising the steps of:

transmitting tabulated program information in response to a user'sdemand sent through a transmission line;

receiving the demand for program reserve information corresponding todesired program information designated by the user among the tabulatedprogram information; and

transmitting designated program reserve information in response to thedemand for program reserve information in receipt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entirety of a network system to whichthe invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a program guide shown on a display in a networksystem to which the invention is applied;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining G codes assigned toindividual programs in a program guide shown on a display;

FIG. 4 is a table of various codes of a G code system and behaviors ormodes corresponding to these codes;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a receiver for decoding and displayingimage information, character information and control signals that aretransferred through a network;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of on-screen representation of variousinstructive keys for controlling an electronic device to beremote-controlled;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process in a receiver for decoding anddisplaying image information, character information and control signalssent through a network;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a transmitter for converting programreserve information sent through a network into a remote control signalacceptable in a user's electronic device and for transmitting it;

FIG. 9 is a table of code data for various kinds of devices of variousmakers, which are stored in code storage 52;

FIG. 10A is a diagram of a screen on which a user can select the modelof his own electronic device;

FIG. 10B is a diagram of a screen on which a user can select themanufacturer of his own electronic device;

FIG. 10C is a diagram of a screen on which a user can enter thefabrication date of his own electronic device;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a process for a user to select and enter themodel, manufacturer and fabrication date of his own electronic device;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a process for generating a remote controlsignal acceptable in a user's electronic device in record;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a process for sequentially transferringremote control signals to different kinds of devices of differentmanufacturers shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a second example of program guide shown on adisplay in a network system to which the invention is applied;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a process for down-loading a code dataacceptable in a predetermined electronic device of a designatedmanufacturer by clicking a portion on a table of codes for various kindsof devices of various manufacturers on a display shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the entirety of a network system, taken asa second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the entirety of a network system, taken asa third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Explained below some embodiments of the invention with reference to thedrawings. FIG. 1 shows a system to which the invention is applied. InFIG. 1, numeral 1 refers to a surface wave TV broadcasting station, 2 toa satellite TV broadcasting station, and 3 to an FM radio broadcastingstation.

The surface wave TV station 1 broadcasts TV programs to the public,using VHF (Very High Frequency) and/or UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands.The satellite TV station 2 broadcasts TV programs to the public, using asatellite 4. Since satellite TV broadcasting can cover a wider servicearea, its service area may be beyond a single country. Additionally,satellite broadcasting prepares many channels, and some providebroadcasting for limited audience. The FM radio station 3 broadcasts FMradio programs to the public. The FM radio station 3 may be asmall-scaled local station that broadcasts local affairs with a lowelectric power. The system may also include a CATV TV station (notshown).

Numeral 5 denotes an audio/visual system 5. In this example, theaudio/visual system 5 each family owns includes VTR 11, FM tuner 12, MD(Mini Disc) player/recorder 13, TV receiver 14, audio amplifier 15, andspeakers 16A, 16B. The VTR 11 having a satellite. broadcasting tuner, FMtuner 12, MD (Mini Disc) player/recorder 13, TV receiver 14 and audioamplifier 15 have optical detectors 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A and 15A,respectively, to be remote-controlled by infrared signals.

A TV signal transmitted from the surface TV station 1 is received at anantenna 17 of the audio/visual system 5. Output of the antenna 17 issupplied to VTR 11 and TV receiver 14, and images based on the TV signalfrom the surface TV station 1 are displayed on the TV receiver 14. TheTV signal from the surface TV station 1 can be recorded on a magnetictape in VTR 11.

A TV signal transmitted from the satellite TV station 2 via thesatellite 4 is caught by a parabola antenna 18 of the audio/visualsystem 5. Output of the parabola antenna 18 is frequency-converted intoa satellite medium frequency by a converter (not shown), and supplied toVTR 11 and TV receiver 14. Images based on the TV signal from thesatellite TV station 2 via the satellite 4 are displayed on the TVreceiver 14. The TV signal can be recorded on a magnetic tape in VTR 11.

A radio broadcast signal transmitted from the FM radio station 2 isreceived at the FM tuner 12. Output of the FM tuner 12 is supplied tothe audio amplifier 15. Output of the audio amplifier 15 is output fromthe speakers 16A and 16B. The audio signal based on the broadcast signalfrom the FM radio station 2 can be recorded on a mini disc in the MDplayer/recorder 13.

In the system to which the invention is applied, the surface TV station1, satellite TV station 2 and FM radio station 3 also provideinformation on scheduled programs by WWW (World Wide Web) through theinternet 6. Thus, the stations can introduce scheduled programs not onlyin characters but also in still or moving images with or without voices.

In the system according to the invention, commands for selectingbehaviors electronic devices can be provided on WWW pages. By making useof the commands on the WWW pages, a user or listener can easily reservedesired programs from program lists on WWW pages of individual stations.

Each family prepares its personal computer 21 connectable to theinternet 6. Connected to the personal computer 21 are a display 22,keyboard 23 and mouse 24. Further attached to the personal computer 21is an interface box 25 through an interface such as RS232C or SCSI, forexample.

The interface box 25 generates an infrared signal in response to acommand from the personal computer 22. The interface box 25 is disposedface to face with the VTR 11, FM tuner 12, MD player/recorder 13, TVreceiver 14 and audio amplifier 15 so that the VTR 11, FM tuner 12, MDplayer/recorder 13, TV receiver 14 and audio amplifier 15 are set indesired modes of operation by infrared signals from the interface box25.

An application called browser is installed in the personal computer 21to see WWW pages connecting it to the internet 6 via a provider. When aviewer makes access to WWW sites managed by the stations 1, 2 and 3,using his personal computer 25 and the browser, and links his personalcomputer 25 to the WWW pages of the stations 1, 2 and 3, he can getinformation on broadcast programs of the stations 1, 2 and 3. Theinformation is transmitted in form of hypertexts, and may include notonly characters but also still or moving images, and voices as well.

In the system according to the invention, commands for selectingoperation modes of electronic devices are provided on WWW pages. Userscan use these commands to easily reserve desired programs by confirmingschedules of programs on WWW pages.

For example, when a user makes access to the WWW site of the surfacewave station 1 by using his personal computer 21 and browser, the WWWpage indicating the schedule of programs of the channel as shown in FIG.2 is shown on the display of the personal computer 21. As shown in FIG.2, the WWW page provides indication of time schedules 31A, 31B and 31C,and indication of contents 32A, 32B and 32C of the programs.Additionally, commands for recording the programs are attached to thetitles of the programs 32A, 32B and 32C.

A viewer can confirm the schedule of programs of the day, looking at theWWW page on his personal computer 21, and may click the mouse 24 at thetitle of a desired program 32A, 32B or 32C. Responsively, an infraredsignal instructing the VTR 11 to record the program at the indicatedtime is output from the interface box 25 in FIG. 1. Thus, the VTR 11 isset in the reserved mode for recording the program at the reserved timeby the infrared signal.

This is explained below in greater detail. In the system according tothe invention, WWW pages contain commands for determining behaviors ofelectronic devices. For example, the WWW page shown in FIG. 2 contains adescription in form of a hypertext as shown in FIG. 3. Characters inparenthesis, 33A, 33B and 33C in FIG. 3 are commands for determiningbehaviors of electronic device. Script languages may be made by usingthese commands.

FIG. 4 shows an example of such commands and their operations. As shownin FIG. 4, these commands define behaviors of VTR, TV receiver, MDplayer/recorder and other electronic devices. For example, a hexadecimalcommand [00H] makes VTR stop its VTR for operation. These commands cancontrol behaviors not only of audio/visual devices such as VTR and TVreceiver but also of other various kinds of electronic devices such asair conditioner and illuminators.

As shown in FIG. 5 in a functional block diagram of the personalcomputer 21, when the personal computer 21 is connected to WWW sites ofthe stations 1, 2 and 3, it receives, through the interface 40,hypertexts containing commands for determining behaviors of electronicdevices. Then, the browser application 41 installed in the personalcomputer 21 deals with the hypertexts to link text data, still or movingimage data, audio data, and so forth, and to form a multimedia picture.The multimedia picture is shown on the display 22 by a displaycontroller 42.

When commands for determining behaviors of electronic devices arecontained in the hypertext, the browser application 41 arranges thesecommands in the picture.

For example, when the hypertext as shown in FIG., 3 is received,representation as shown in FIG. 2 appears on the display 22 under thecontrol by the browser application 41. Commands 33A, 33B and 33C fordetermining behaviors of electronic devices are attached to the titles32A, 32B, 32C of programs. Titles of programs attached with commands maybe underlined so that viewers or listeners can identify the existence ofthese commands.

Alternatively, portions containing commands may be shown in a colordifferent from the other portions or in a different kind or differentsize of font to distinguish from others. It is also possible to showicons 35 indicating commands for determining behaviors of electronicdevices as shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 5, when one of titles 32A, 32B, 32C containing commands isclicked by an input means 43 of a mouse or a keyboard, the command 33A,33B or 33C attached to the title 32A, 32B or 32C is transmitted from acommand transmitter 44 to the interface box 25.

Assume here that the title 32A in FIG. 2 is clicked. As shown in FIG. 3,the command 33A describing [07H, 0AH, 08H] is attached to the title 32A.Therefore, when the title 32A is clicked, the attached command [07H,0AH, 08H] is transmitted to the interface box 25.

As shown in FIG. 4, the command [07H, 0AH, 08H] is equivalent to a Gcode “142”. Therefore, it results in transmitting the G code “142” tothe interface box 25.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process of jobs in the personal computer 21.As shown in FIG. 7, in receipt of a hypertext containing commands fordetermining behaviors of electronic devices (step ST1), a multimediapicture with a text and still or moving images linked together isdisplayed under the control by the browser application 41 (step ST2).Next detected is whether any title portion with a command is clicked ornot (step ST3). If any title portion is clicked, its command istransmitted to the interface box 25 (step ST4).

The interface box 25 converts the received command into an infraredsignal acceptable for the type of each electronic device, and transmitsit to the VTR 11, FM tuner 12, MD player/recorder 13, TV receiver 14 andaudio amplifier 15 of the audio/visual system 5. Thus, the respectivedevices are set in desired modes of operation.

For example, when the title 32A in FIG. 2 is clicked, the command [07H,0AH, 08H] attached to the title is received at the interface box 25. Theinterface box 25 converts the command into an infrared signal equivalentto the G code “142” for VTR 11, and transmits the infrared signal to VTR11. As a result, VTR 11 is set for “142” or the G code system.

FIG. 8 shows a construction of the interface box 25. As shown in FIG. 8,the interface box 25 has a code storage portion 52. As shown in FIG. 9,the code storage portion 52 stores code data (information on codes andcarriers) of infrared signals for difference devices of differentmanufacturers. That is, codes and carriers used for controllingelectronic devices with infrared signals are different amongmanufacturers. Even for devices from the same manufacturer, codes andcarriers are often different among types of devices and those havingdifferent fabrication dates. The code storage portion 52 stores all codedata of all devices of different manufacturers as shown in FIG. 9.

In FIG. 8, a command prepared on a WWW page for setting electronicdevices in desired modes of operation is sent from the personal computer21 to the interface box 25. The command is applied to a controller 51via an interface 53. The controller 51 interprets the command, and acorresponding code data is read out from the code storage portion 52.Output from the code storage portion 52 is supplied to an infraredsignal generator 54 which, in turn, generates an infrared signal of thecode and carrier determined by the code data.

As referred to above, codes and carriers for controlling electronicdevices are different among different manufacturers and even amongdifferent devices from the same manufacturer depending on types anddates of fabrication. On the other hand, commands sent to the interfacebox 25 determine respective modes of operation of devices commonly toall devices regardless of manufacturers or types. Therefore,interpretation of commands and conversion of commands to codes andcarriers acceptable for individual devices are required. Thus, the VTR11, FM tuner 12, MD player/recorder 13, TV receiver 14 and audioamplifier 15 of the audio/visual system 5 must be registered.

Registration of electronic devices may be done through the personalcomputer 21, for example. Registration may be made either uponinstallment of the audio/visual system or each time when a user sets hisaudio/visual devices in desired modes of operation, referring to on WWWpages. Also, the registration may be done on the part of the interfacebox 25.

For registration of devices, a select-device menu is first displayed asshown in FIG. 10A. On the select-device menu, a user selects any devicecategory among VTR, TV receiver, and others. Responsively, aselect-maker menu listing different manufacturers appears on the screenas shown in FIG. 10B. After the user selects a manufacturer from theselect-maker menu, a picture for entering a fabrication date appears asshown in FIG. 10C. When the user enters the fabrication date, makerinformation and information on the fabrication date on his device areintroduced. Responsively, the introduced information is sent to andregistered in the interface box-25.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of jobs in this process. As shown in FIG. 11,upon registration of devices, the select-device menu is first displayed(step ST11). On this menu, it is checked whether VTR, TV receiver, MDplayer/recorder, or any other device is selected or not (step ST12). Ifany device is selected, then the select-maker menu is displayed (stepST13). On the select-maker menu, it is checked whether any maker A, B orC is selected or not (step ST14). If any maker is selected, thefabrication date entry menu is displayed (step ST15). On the fabricationdate entry menu, it is checked whether any fabrication date is enteredor not (step ST16). If any date is entered, all information given hereon the maker and the fabrication date of the device is registered in theinterface box 25 (step ST17).

Assume here that the VTR 11 of the audio/visual system 5 shown in FIG. 1is a product fabricated by manufacturer A in a year from 1985 to 1990and that the WWW page as shown in FIG. 2 is shown on the display 22 ofthe personal computer 21 and the title 32A on the WWW page is clicked.In this case, a command equivalent to “142” of the G code system is sentfrom the personal computer 21 to the interface box 25.

In case of the VTR manufactured by manufacturer A between years 1985 and1990, the code data equivalent to “142” of the G code system is thoseregistered in addresses “A7, A10, A8”. Therefore, code data stored ataddresses “A7, A10. A8” among others stored in the code storage portion52 shown in FIG. 8 is read out.

The code data is sent to the infrared signal generator 54, and aninfrared signal from the infrared signal generator 54 is transmitted toVTR 11. As a result, G code “142” is set in VTR 11.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of responsive jobs in the interface box 25. Asshown in FIG. 12, it is checked whether any command is sent from thepersonal computer 21 (step ST21). If any command is sent, then it isinterpreted (step ST22), and data in record on manufacturers andfabrication dates of devices is retrieved (step ST23). Based on theinformation on makers and information on fabrication dates of devices, aparticular code data corresponding to the mode of operation designatedby the command is determined (step ST24), and then read out from thecode storage portion 52 (step ST25). The data is transmitted in form ofan infrared signal from the infrared signal generator 54 (step ST25).

Although the above example has been explained as the job of convertingcommands for determining behaviors of electronics device into infraredsignal codes being shared by the interface box 25, the conversion may bedone on the part of the personal computer 21.

In addition, although the above example has been explained as previouslyregistering manufactures and fabrication dates of devices, if codes forindividual demands on all devices are read out, prior registration ofmakers and fabrication dates of devices is not necessary.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, it is checked whether anycommand is sent from the personal computer 21 (step ST31). If a commandis sent, it is interpreted (step ST32). After that, code data definingjobs indicated by codes corresponding to the command for all devices ofall manufacturers are read out sequentially (step ST33), and they aretransmitted in sequence as infrared signals from the infrared signalgenerator 54 (step ST34). Since the sequentially transmitted code datafor the command must contain the data for the device of the audio/visualsystem 5, when a user reads out code data for a desired mode ofoperation for all devices of all manufacturers, he can set his devicefor a desired mode of operation by selecting a corresponding datathrough a key, for example.

Since infrared signals have different code systems and carriers amongdifferent manufacturers, it seldom occurs that devices malfunction whencodes for all devices of all manufacturers are read out sequentially.

In the above example, the code storage portion 52 previously stores allcode data of all devices of all manufacturers. In this case, however,codes amount to an enormous volume, and infrared signal codes may bechanged.

To cope this problem, the code storage portion may be configured to doboth reading and writing so as to introduce code data entered from theexterior as a leaning remote controller.

Alternatively, code data may be transferred by WWW of the internet. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 14, indication 36 on manufactures andfabrication dates of VTRs is put on a WWW page for program guide.Attached to the indication 36 are commands for introducing code data forindividual devices of individual manufacturers. If a VTR of a particularmanufacturer having a particular fabrication date is selected from theindication 36, then a code data for the type of devices is down-loadedthrough the internet 6.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of behaviors taken responsively. As shown inFIG. 15, it is checked whether an indication for setting code data isclicked or not (step ST41). If an indication is clicked, a demand forthe corresponding data is output through the internet 6 (step ST42).Then, it is checked whether the code data can be received or not (step43), and if so, the code data is down-loaded (step ST44).

In this case, each broadcasting station may prepare its own server forsupplying code data, or code data may be held in other servers, e.g.those of manufacturers of devices. If code data are held in a server ofa manufacturers of the device, selection of VTR of fabricated by themanufacture on a date or in a period of time from the indication 36 islinked to an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server of the manufacturer.Then, the code data for the electronic device of the manufacturer isdown-loaded from the FTP server.

Although the example of FIG. 1 has been explained as using infrared raysissued from the interface box 25 to remote-control VRT 11, FM tuner 12,MD player/recorder 13, TV receiver 14, audio amplifier 15, and so on, ofthe audio/visual system 5, a wired interface box 28 may be used for suchremote control as shown in FIG. 16. In this case, the interface box 28can be reciprocally, bidirectionally connected to the audio/visualsystem 5 including the personal computer 21, VTR 11, FM tuner 12, MDplayer/recorder, TV receiver 14, audio amplifier 15, and others.

In this manner, the system according to the invention permitstransmission of programs of broadcasting stations 1, 2 and 3 by usingWWW services of the internet. The schedule of programs presented by WWWare renewed from time to time if any changes occur in the schedule dueto, for example, an extension of time of play-to-play broadcasting of abaseball game, so as to give viewers or listeners the latestinformation. Additionally, reservation of a program can be done bysimply clicking to a corresponding indication of a WWW page as explainedabove.

As mentioned before, channels have been increased remarkably along withremarkable development of satellite broadcasting and CATV. Under thecircumstances, since the internet is an international computer network,by using the internet, it is possible to give viewers or listeners allinformation on all programs of all channels even when channels increaseand service areas extend beyond countries.

The use of the system is not limited to reservation of programs. Becausecommands for determining behaviors of electronic devices can be easilymade by using hypertexts, this system can be widely used also for otherpurposes.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the system used for a different purpose. InFIG. 17, numeral 101 denotes a TV receiver, 102 refers to anilluminator, and 103 to an air conditioner. The EV receiver 101,illuminator 102, and air conditioner 103 have optical detectors 101A,102A and 103A, respectively. They are set in desired mode of operationby infrared signal from an interface box 104 connected to a personalcomputer 105.

Assume that a user desires to keep a constant cooling effect by the airconditioner and a constant brightness of the illuminator 102. In thiscase, an optimum value of the cooling effect by the air conditioner 103and an optimum value of brightness by the illuminator 102 are describedas commands in a hypertext, by using the personal computer 105.

In this manner, commands in the hypertext is sent from the personalcomputer 105 to the interface box 104, and infrared signals responsiveto the commands in the hypertext are output from the interface box 104.As a result, the illuminator 102 and the air conditioner 103 can be setfor optimum modes of operation.

When the personal computer 105 is connected to an external portablecomputer 107 through the internet 106, the TV receiver 101, illuminator102 air conditioner 113, or any other electronic device can becontrolled through the external portable computer 107.

More specifically, a hypertext containing a command for setting the TVreceiver 101, illuminator 102, or air conditioner 103 in a desired modeof operation is made on the exterior personal computer 107. Thehypertext is sent from the exterior portable computer 107 to thepersonal computer 105 through the internet 106. In receipt of thehypertext, the interface box 104 issues an infrared signal correspondingto the command in the hypertext, and the TV receiver 101, illuminator102, or air conditioner 103 is set for the desired mode of operation.

According to the invention, information on broadcasting programs issupplied by WWW services of the internet. Since WWW can transferinformation based on a hypertext through the network and can deal withinformation including not only text data but also image data and audiodata, program guides by WWW can present programs not only in charactersbut also in still or moving images with or without voices. Since theinternet is an international computer network system, it is availablefor all program guides from those of satellite broadcasting for widerservice areas beyond countries to those of mini FM stations for verysmall service areas. Additionally, the use of WWW can present renewedlatest program guides.

Moreover, according to the invention, commands for determining behaviorsof electronic devices are attached on WWW pages from broadcastingstations. When a portion with a command is clicked, an infrared signalcorresponding to the command is transmitted, and a target electronicdevice is set in a desired mode. As a result, a user can readily attainreservation of a desired program, visually confirming necessaryinformation on a WWW page, for example. Further, since commands fordetermining behaviors of electronic devices can be put in WWW pages,audio/visual systems or other electronic systems can be collectivelycontrolled by using the commands.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote control device comprising: receivingmeans for receiving program information via a predetermined network;said program information including broadcast schedule information andremote command information related to a plurality of broadcast programs;register means for registering an end-user electronic device via saidpredetermined network with an information center; said receiving meansreceiving a plurality of remote control signals from said informationcenter corresponding to the registered end-user electronic device;display means for displaying a program menu in accordance with thereceived program information; selecting means for selecting a desiredbroadcast program from the displayed program menu; determining means fordetermining remote command information corresponding to said desiredbroadcast program selected by said selecting means; and converting meansfor converting the determined remote command information into one of thereceived plurality of remote control signals corresponding to theregistered end-user electronic device.
 2. A transmitter/receiver devicecomprising: transmitting means for transmitting program information inresponse to a request via a predetermined network; said programinformation including broadcast schedule information and remote commandinformation related to a plurality of broadcast programs; receivingmeans for sending said request for program information and for receivingprogram information transmitted in response to said request via saidpredetermined network; register means for registering an end-userelectronic device via said predetermined network with an informationcenter; said receiving means receiving a plurality of remote controlsignals from said information center corresponding to the registeredend-user electronic device; display means for displaying a program menuin accordance with the received program information; selecting means forselecting a desired broadcast program from the displayed program menu;determining means for determining remote command informationcorresponding to said desired broadcast program selected by saidselecting means; and converting means for converting the determinedremote command information into one of the received plurality of remotecontrol signals corresponding to the registered end-user electronicdevice.
 3. A transmitting and receiving method comprising the steps of:receiving program information via a predetermined network in response toa transmitted demand; said program information including broadcastschedule information and remote command information related to aplurality of broadcast programs; registering an end-user electronicdevice via said predetermined network with an information center;receiving a plurality of remote control signals from said informationcenter corresponding to the registered end-user electronic device;displaying a program menu in accordance with the received programinformation; selecting a desired broadcast program from the displayedprogram menu; determining remote command information corresponding tosaid desired broadcast program selected in said selecting step; andconverting the determined remote command information into one of thereceived plurality of remote control signals corresponding to theregistered end-user electronic device.